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Home / The Museum of Mid Century Material Culture / time capsule homes

The 1974 time capsule house that won the internet this week + four more houses from reader tips

Pam Kueber - Updated: February 17, 2020

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

time capsule housesThanks to all the readers who continue to send in time capsule tips — there are some REAL BEAUTIES this week, including a 1974 California condo that’s gone viral — click on, and you’ll see why!

The 1974 time capsule house that won the internet this week, Ramona, California “must love green”:

  • Prepare your eyeballs, this one is amazing! (Photo viewing tip:  The lead photo is the first in a slide show — to advance the slide show, look for the forward arrow inside the photo — it’s on the right, about half-way up)

Multiple readers sent me this tip. Because this house was winning the internet. Thank you, all! LOVE IT!

1952 sweetheart in Saugus, Mass.:

  • Lovely classic postwar house — pink kitchen alert… peachy keen bathroom… and oh my that basement! Thanks to Diane on our Facebook page for this tip.

1957 mid century modest with some additional flair in Albany, New York:

  • This house has some really lovely features — thanks to reader Tess for this time capsule tip! 

The house (which has had a few updates over the years) still has some really nice, original features — I particularly love how the ceiling molding in the living room is designed to encapsulate the top of the pinch pleat draperies…the design of the paver patio out back… and of course, that pink and gray bathroom.  

1959 Omaha beauty — gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous classic:

  • One of my new favorite time capsule houses of all time, but then I say that every week. Thanks to tipster Stefanj, I agree with his commentary: 

…find the best wallpaper you have ever laid eyes on and the most and best metal kitchen cabinets of all time!

Not a time capsule, but oh this tiki-decorated condo in 1961 Royal Hawaiian Estates, Palm Springs:

  • This condo in the famous Royal Hawaiian Estates is tiki-tastic. I think I found this one myself, but if a reader sent in the tip, my bad, identify yourself!

I had a few more great time capsule tips that’s I’ll feature next time (this list was getting long). Keep the tips coming, and have a great weekend, everyone! 

Which houses and which features call out you?
Could you live in the 1974 dream house as is? 

CATEGORIES:
The Museum of Mid Century Material Culture time capsule homes

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40 comments

Comments

  1. Kerri Stahl says

    April 16, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    Wow! What a delight. Sadly, I was not able to see the 1st house that “won” the internet because I am just now catching up on all my dessert email treats. In the future, I won’t wait.

    Thank you for sharing these delights. I enjoyed every second.

  2. Vicky says

    March 8, 2020 at 11:05 am

    I so love retro look homes. I really enjoyed looking through all the photos of these homes.

  3. Lisa Daly says

    February 27, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    Here’s a new one: Everett, WA. Everett is a great town within commuting distance of Seattle/Seattle Eastside and with a commuter train. The whole waterfront area is newly revitalized and there are some great restaurants, an events center, etc. https://www.jessiegrandpre.com/listing/WA/Everett/8428-Monte-Cristo-Dr-98208/106479498?fbclid=IwAR1-22KzKuGZjNubcHC-5lCMUSLgMCBGESafLRwm8x0isntkT5pRiJ8y8v8

    • Pam Kueber says

      February 27, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      Beautiful home! Looks like an RR reader at some point — I’m spying Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze on the kitchen floor! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  4. Randerson says

    February 26, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    That Tiki condo blows my mind… LOVE!!

  5. Kim says

    February 21, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    As we say in Pittsburgh Pa. Yoi!

  6. Amber says

    February 21, 2020 at 2:01 am

    Oh wow, I LOVE the basement of the 1952 house.

    I realize most people might find the 70s house too over the top….but just imagine if all the carpet was removed and replaced with some honey toned wood that matched the cabinets, different furniture and drapery was used and the counter top replaced with some kind of white stone or corian counter top….I think that could be a compromise to keep the retro wallpaper and cabinetry. In fact I think you could make it look pretty modern without removing the wallpaper or doing a complete kitchen and bathroom demo. I hope someone will preserve at least some of it that way.

    However, as green is my favorite color and I do like the 70s, while a whole green house might be a bit much even for me, I would enjoy a single room with that carpet a great deal, with the green and white wall paper or the blue stuff. I know carpet doesn’t look as good in pictures but I really like the way it feels under my feet.

  7. Carol says

    February 19, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    Oh my! The Tiki condo in Palm Springs. Love this complex! It’s busy, busy, busy, but in an excellent way.

  8. SHARON ALBERQUE says

    February 19, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    OH my goodness!! LOVE them ALL I love any home, any era that was a quality build to begin with and well maintained throughout it’s lifetime.

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